About

We have created this pack to help you prepare for the online tests you will take (and hopefully pass) during your application to the KPMG vacation scheme. You can prepare with our PrepPack‌™ that will familiarise you with the requirements and skills needed to excel on all the different tests required as part of your application. There are three different KPMG online tests that you must pass, and we will detail them below.

Why Should You Practise for the KPMG Tests?

You have gone through high school, college, and are in the last year of your studies in university. You might ask yourself what is the point of all this. And for a four-week programme! I have to take exams and go through a whole set of online tests? Unfortunately, this is how KPMG ensures that they are hiring only top tier talent. The KPMG summer vacation scheme is a great step to get you in the door, offering you invaluable professional experience. With our help, we are sure you will do yourself proud throughout the application process.

What Are the Different Stages of the Application Process?

There are five distinct stages you must pass to get a place on the KPMG vacation programme. We will outline them below and point you in the direction of our expert preparation materials.

Stage 1: Online Application Form

The online application form is the first step in the ladder of success. Apart from having to write up your scholastic achievements and grades, there are several different questions you have to answer. Use this opportunity to showcase your skills and demonstrate to KPMG why they should take your application forward. You should demonstrate that you possess the KPMG behavioural capabilities. They are listed below in the interview section.

Stage 2: Situational Judgement Test

After submitting your application form, you will receive a link to the SJT. This test is untimed, and it should take you about 45 minutes to complete. In this test, you are presented with different scenarios that you could encounter in the job. There are several different answer options and you must select two of them—one being the best response and the other being the least appropriate response.

In order to answer the questions in the best possible way, it is important to bear in mind what KPMG wants from you, not necessarily what you want to do. This and other important skills and tips are available in our preparation pack.

Stage 3: Online Numerical and Verbal Reasoning Tests

If you do well enough in the KPMG SJT, you will be invited to take two additional tests. These are the same tests you would take if you were applying to the audit school leavers programme.

KPMG Verbal Reasoning Test

This verbal reasoning test is provided by Cubiks, and is a difficult test that you have to encounter. You are presented with several different texts as well as a number of follow-up questions. Your task is to demonstrate that you can draw conclusions and inferences from the text. The questions are statement-based, meaning you are presented with a statement and must work out whether or not it is congruous with the text.

KPMG Numerical Reasoning Test

This Cubiks numerical test consists of 24 questions that have to be completed in 20 minutes. This gives your approximately one minute to solve each question. It is not advised to ponder on any question for too long as this could negatively affect your results.

In this test, you are presented with data in the form of charts and graphs. There are six different data sets, with four different questions for each data set. In order to answer the questions, you need to know how to work with percentages and ratios, as well as the more basic numerical functions.

Stage 4: Digital Submission

In this stage of the application, you will be sent a number of questions on two of the KPMG behavioural capabilities: Making an Impact and What is your career Motivation. You need to send a two-minute recording of yourself answering these questions. Two minutes is a very short space of time, so you must make sure to really demonstrate your skills and put across exactly what you want to. Our interview platform is a terrific way to practise your responses and rate your performance.

Stage 5: Launch Pad Recruitment Event

In this, the final stage of the application process, you are invited to attend a launch pad event. The most important parts of the day are where you have to really show your mettle and why you are the perfect candidate. They are detailed below. Bear in mind that throughout the day you have a chance to get to know the different areas of KPMG. It includes breakfast, lunch, and plenty of opportunities to socialise.

Group Exercise

Although KPMG is secretive about the group exercise in the launch pad, you can be sure of a few things: Each group of about six people is given a brief with a number of separate tasks. There will be other candidates competing against you, and you will be assessed against the KPMG behavioural capabilities. Throughout the group exercise, you are assessed on the KPMG behavioural capabilities:

Career Motivation

Delivers Quality

Drives Collaboration and Inclusion

Strives for Continual Improvement

Exercises Professional Judgement

Makes an Impact

Seizes Business Opportunities

Demonstrates Innovation and Curiosity

Resilience

KPMG Partner Interview

The KPMG partner interview is about 20 minutes long and, again, focuses on the behavioural capabilities. Some example questions include:

How do you manage your time?

Have you learnt anything new about yourself today?

Why have you applied to this particular programme?

What do you think you will be doing on a day-to-day basis during your early years at KPMG?

Tell me about a time you had to handle a stressful situation.

When answering these questions, you should do so using the STAR method, where applicable, as this gives the partner a full picture of how you dealt with an issue and how you overcame the difficulties.

Written Exercise

For the KPMG written exercise, you are asked to prepare a report in which you must demonstrate your ability to go through various pieces of information, draw conclusions, and come up with a solid plan of action. You are given a brief of a fictitious company and asked to write a report detailing the different strengths and areas of weaknesses in the company as well as make recommendations for a way forward. You have 20 minutes to read the brief about the company and another hour in which to write the report. It’s important to try and make your writing as neat as possible.

Prepare for Success with JobTestPrep

Ready to succeed on the KPMG vacation programme tests? Prepare with JobTestPrep's unique preparation materials today. With our extensive practice materials, you will be equipped to ace the tests and proceed to getting the job you deserve.

KPMG, Cubiks, and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with JobTestPrep or this website. Our materials are designed to help you prepare for the types of assessments you will encounter, but they are not identical to them.

What's Included

11 Cubiks–style numerical reasoning tests

8 additional numerical practice tests and drills

7 Cubiks–style verbal reasoning tests

5 situational judgement tests (one with avatars)

2 full-length case study exercises

Comprehensive solution guides with detailed explanations

Self-evaluation forms

Presentation tips

A complete online guide to case studies

Group exercise preparation

Study guides and video tutorials

Timed tests with score reports, answers & solving tips

Secured payment

Immediate online access and 24/7 practice

Exclusive to JobTestPrep

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